2 Simple Tips to Increasing the Yield from your Livestock

What is the Quality of the Water your Livestock is Drinking?

Regular testing of your water supply and cleaning of water tanks will improve the quality of water your livestock are drinking, reducing stress in the animal and ensuring they are fit and healthy.

Drought or no drought, your livestock needs consistent water supplies year-round. We don’t need to tell you this. If you’re reading this article, you are well aware of the demand for water to keep your livestock healthy and, ultimately, sellable.

For most farmers, bore systems are the key source of your livestock water. Holding tanks help you store water to provide a steady supply, and for containment areas, top up water troughs.

Too often Pristine Water Systems are called out to properties where water tanks are neglected, or the quality of the water is unknown. Calcium build-up, inches thick sediment, foul smelling and even stagnant water. It’s your responsibility to ensure that the water supply is suitable for your livestock. The cleaner the water source, the healthier the animal. And that means a better return for your effort!

Tip 1: Regular Checking of Water Quality

Extended dry periods can change the quality of your water supply. Whether that is from bore, creeks or dams. Not only can sediment build-up as water levels fall, but an increase in minerals and salinity (salt).

Conducting some simple tests regularly, and particularly during extended dry spells, will keep you informed on the quality of your water supply. More importantly, of the water stored in your tanks. Pristine Water Systems can conduct these tests onsite and can even provide certain Test kits that you can do yourself. These tests include:

pH

TDS

Total Hardness

Iron

More specific water tests can be conducted through your local Pristine Water Systems operator to define a broad scope of minerals and elements that can affect the quality of water. The following table is a guideline of the maximum levels for the various minerals and elements suitable for livestock water supply:

Source: Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, 2000, paper, Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for fresh and marine water quality, Paper No. 4, Volume 3.

There are different levels of Salt and TDS (Total Dissolvable Solids) recommended for livestock. The following table defines those:

Stock type

EC (µS/cm)

TDS (mg/L)

Mature Sheep

9,300

5,600

Nursing Ewes

6,000

3,600

Weaner lambs

6,000

3,600

Mature cattle

6,250

3,800

Lactating cattle

5,000

3,000

Weaner calves

5,000

3,000

Source: Agriculture Victoria, 2016, Managing farm water supplies

Contact Pristine Water Systems today if you need assistance.

Tip 2: Cleaning of Water Storage Tanks & Troughs

Water pumped up from Bore, Dams or Creeks inevitably brings sediment and other elements. When the water settles in storage tanks, these heavier elements sink to the bottom where they build up over time.

Depending on your water source, the quality of the water and the frequency in which you are filling up your tank, you need to clean out the unwanted build-up on a regular basis. This might be every 6-months, or every 2 to 3 years.

As this photo depicts, large calcium or sediment deposits on the bottom of the tank can affect the quality of the water, causing distress in your livestock as they refuse to drink poorer quality water.

In this example, the tank was cleaned when it was empty. But in most cases, we will remove the build-up from the bottom of the tank whilst it has water in it. And, with minimal water loss!!

We recommend that you check your tanks every 6-months, evaluating the build-up of sediment on the bottom. If you are also checking the quality of the water with the above-mentioned test kits, you can all Pristine Water Systems when your tank is in need of maintenance.

Water Troughs will also experience a build-up of sediment and are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria that can ultimately be harmful to your livestock. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting these will ensure healthier animals, providing opportunity for greater yields.

Don’t let your livestock suffer because you haven’t cleaned your water storage tanks or you’re providing poor quality water. Establish a plan on how to check and maintain your water storage and water supply systems. And if in doubt, call Pristine Water Systems.

If you would like some assistance with your water storage maintenance, our local operators will be only too happy to help. You can find your local operator using our Operator Locator search facility at the top of this webpage.

Or use the contact form below and one of our friendly Pristine Water System operators will be in touch.

Happy Clients

Without reservation we recommend the team at Pristine Water Systems to deal with cleaning water tanks and the supply of water filtration systems. We had a high content of tannin in our water which was swiftly removed by them. I now have less housework to do!!!

It was such a pleasure dealing with Pristine Water Systems.

Jeanine K

Before the treatment I was continually cleaning the hand basins, bath and toilets because of the residue left behind and having a bath in the water was not pleasant. Now, it’s a delight. We also purchased the double water filter system and have been very happy with that as well.

Jodie A

Very professional and prompt service, highly recommend. Always a pleasure to deal with.

Chris A

They helped me fix my pump over the phone, great service!

Corbit H

Thanks Shaun for replacing our leaking filtered water tap so quickly. Very professional and an affordable service.

Natalie J

Steve (PWS Noosa/Cooroy) has been so helpful and is excellent to deal with. We highly recommend.

Jason S

We are very happy with Steve and Pristine Water Systems (Noosa/Cooroy). He/they have provided us with excellent service, always on time, and have always given us a very competitive price for cleaning/vacuuming our water tank - and did a sterling job of cleaning. We would highly recommend Steve and PWS.

Colleen S

Efficient and professional service. To be recommended.

Wilfred N

Friendly and efficient. First class service to keep the water in our tanks clean and safe to drink. The tanks were cleaned as well as the usual filter and UV system maintenance during last visit. All done to our complete satisfaction- many thanks Steve (PWS Noosa/Cooroy). Highly recommended

Philip S

Prompt service.

Donna D

Excellent service. On time and done as requested.

Gaylene B

I have had Steve (PWS Noosa/Cooroy) look after my water filters for several years. He is very knowledgeable in all issues water and I would thoroughly recommend him. He is always prompt and messages to remind me of appointments,

Steve M

Very happy with the service and price to vacuum clean both our water tanks.

Rob N

Peter responded very quickly to our request for water test and called on site next day to take a sample and within 24 hours he had results emailed to us. We can thoroughly recommend him. David

Pam (David) M

I doubt the rainwater tanks at my new house have ever been cleaned out and although the water looked clear coming out of the tap, I suspected it was affecting my health. Steve (PWS Noosa/Cooroy) came out, did some water quality checks and cleaned the tanks out. After cutting back some trees overhanging the roof and installing gutter guard I got Steve to install a water filtration and UV treatment system. The job was done same day and I am very happy with the advice I received, quality of the installation and most importantly the quality of the water coming out of my taps!

Carl

Allen from PristineWaterSystems did a fantastic job. He was very time efficient and thorough. I can certainly recommend him to clean your tanks, treat your water and keep your filters clean. The 3 of us here were taken down with Campylobacter, sadly my Mum at 91 is still in hospital. Thanks Allen !!!!!!!